Showing posts with label Thansgiving. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Thansgiving. Show all posts
Closing Stock
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
You crown the year with a bountiful harvest; even the hard pathways overflow with abundance.Psalms 65:11 (NLT)
Today is the first day of the last month in 2009. Companies generally take their closing stock in December and this closing stock influences the profit figures for the year. For you to arrive at your profit figures for 2009, you need to start taking your closing stock from now.
The worst moment for an atheist is when he feels grateful and has no one to thank. - Wendy Ward
To say that we have no reason to be grateful to God is not just to be short-sighted but to be an ingrate.
Not that there were no challenges in the year but that we are able to withstand the same that wept others under.
Not that we are already where we are going but that we are not where we used to be;
Not that we didn’t lose anything in the course of the year, but that we didn’t lose everything;
Not that we know what tomorrow will be but that we know He who holds tomorrow;
Not that we don’t have needs but that we are even in our right minds to know what we need;
Not that we already have who to marry but that we are even marriageable;
Not that we have a job but that we are employable;
Not that we have a car but that our legs have not been amputated;
Not that we have the latest designer clothes, but that we know how to cover ourselves;
Not that we know how to celebrate this Christmas but that we know without you there wouldn’t have been any Christmas. You are the reason for the season.
I can go on and on… the list is endless, but I will allow you to think of what to add to your list of thanksgiving. The truth is that if you can think well, you’ll thank well.
Though I am grateful for the blessings of wealth, it hasn't changed who I am. My feet are still on the ground. I'm just wearing better shoes. - Oprah Winfrey
Personally, this year has been a great year in many ways. It has not only been that of the greatest challenges I have ever witnessed but it has also been a year of the greatest victories I have ever known. I have witnessed tremendous landmark changes that will influence many generations to come.
A proud man is seldom a grateful man, for he never thinks he gets as much as he deserves. - Henry Ward Beecher
I woke up early this morning trying to mutter the lyrics of a hymn, the lyrics of the song has inspired me to write this note to stir you to look at your life and still give thanks from January 2009 to date. I don’t know many things but I know thanksgiving will always set you up to receive more. Give thanks to God for what He has done already and then you will commit Him to do even more before the end of the year. Let the stock taking begin!
Count Your Blessings
Words by Johnson Oatman, Jr. (1897)
Music by Edwin O. Excell (1897)
(Verse 1)
When upon life's billows you are tempest tossed,
When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,
Count your many blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.
(Chorus)
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
Count your blessings, see what God hath done!
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
Count your many blessings, see what God hath done!
(Verse 2)
When you look at others with their lands and gold,
Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold;
Count your many blessings. Wealth can never buy
Your reward in heaven, nor your home on high.
(Verse 3)
Are you ever burdened with a load of care?
Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?
Count your many blessings, every doubt will fly,
And you will keep singing as the days go by.
(Verse 4)
So, amid the conflict whether great or small,
Do not be disheartened, God is over all;
Count your many blessings, angels will attend,
Help and comfort give you to your journey's end.
Shall we pray;
Lord, help us to shift our focus from the things you’ve not done to the things you’ve done in 2009. Amen
Today is the first day of the last month in 2009. Companies generally take their closing stock in December and this closing stock influences the profit figures for the year. For you to arrive at your profit figures for 2009, you need to start taking your closing stock from now.
The worst moment for an atheist is when he feels grateful and has no one to thank. - Wendy Ward
To say that we have no reason to be grateful to God is not just to be short-sighted but to be an ingrate.
Not that there were no challenges in the year but that we are able to withstand the same that wept others under.
Not that we are already where we are going but that we are not where we used to be;
Not that we didn’t lose anything in the course of the year, but that we didn’t lose everything;
Not that we know what tomorrow will be but that we know He who holds tomorrow;
Not that we don’t have needs but that we are even in our right minds to know what we need;
Not that we already have who to marry but that we are even marriageable;
Not that we have a job but that we are employable;
Not that we have a car but that our legs have not been amputated;
Not that we have the latest designer clothes, but that we know how to cover ourselves;
Not that we know how to celebrate this Christmas but that we know without you there wouldn’t have been any Christmas. You are the reason for the season.
I can go on and on… the list is endless, but I will allow you to think of what to add to your list of thanksgiving. The truth is that if you can think well, you’ll thank well.
Though I am grateful for the blessings of wealth, it hasn't changed who I am. My feet are still on the ground. I'm just wearing better shoes. - Oprah Winfrey
Personally, this year has been a great year in many ways. It has not only been that of the greatest challenges I have ever witnessed but it has also been a year of the greatest victories I have ever known. I have witnessed tremendous landmark changes that will influence many generations to come.
A proud man is seldom a grateful man, for he never thinks he gets as much as he deserves. - Henry Ward Beecher
I woke up early this morning trying to mutter the lyrics of a hymn, the lyrics of the song has inspired me to write this note to stir you to look at your life and still give thanks from January 2009 to date. I don’t know many things but I know thanksgiving will always set you up to receive more. Give thanks to God for what He has done already and then you will commit Him to do even more before the end of the year. Let the stock taking begin!
Count Your Blessings
Words by Johnson Oatman, Jr. (1897)
Music by Edwin O. Excell (1897)
(Verse 1)
When upon life's billows you are tempest tossed,
When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,
Count your many blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.
(Chorus)
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
Count your blessings, see what God hath done!
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
Count your many blessings, see what God hath done!
(Verse 2)
When you look at others with their lands and gold,
Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold;
Count your many blessings. Wealth can never buy
Your reward in heaven, nor your home on high.
(Verse 3)
Are you ever burdened with a load of care?
Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?
Count your many blessings, every doubt will fly,
And you will keep singing as the days go by.
(Verse 4)
So, amid the conflict whether great or small,
Do not be disheartened, God is over all;
Count your many blessings, angels will attend,
Help and comfort give you to your journey's end.
Shall we pray;
Lord, help us to shift our focus from the things you’ve not done to the things you’ve done in 2009. Amen
Spot the Difference!
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Not that we [have the audacity to] venture to class or [even to] compare ourselves with some who exalt and furnish testimonials for themselves! However, when they measure themselves with themselves and compare themselves with one another, they are without understanding and behave unwisely.
2 Corinthians 10:12 (AMP)
Growing up, I remember always trying to search for the SPOT THE DIFFERENCE column on the pages of magazines and some newspapers where the identical pictures of two sketches or pieces of art are given and readers would be asked to spot the difference by circling the areas and returning by post the answers. I must have spotted many differences but can’t really remember ever sending any by post (since there was no email at that time). May be I would have tried if it were to be by email…
What I intend sharing briefly with you is the foolish “spot the difference” adventures that we at times engage in as individuals which does no good to us than to leave us worse than it met us, leading to jealousy, envy, strife and if not well tamed makes us blame God for everything because it blind-folds us from seeing anything good that God has done in our lives.
When was the last time you wished you were born into a more influential family? Well, we all were not given the opportunity to choose that. If God did, I wonder who will come from impoverished homes!
Whatever form of comparison you may be involved in will be mere folly because there should be no reason why you should want to compare yourself with others. An understanding of you being a creature made in the image and the likeness of God- the creator is enough to make you stand tall in life.
But as crippling and subtle this venture is, we allow it to lord it over our lives and secretly envy others and questioning God and asking the most horrible question of WHY ME?
But as crippling and subtle this venture is, we allow it to lord it over our lives and secretly envy others and questioning God and asking the most horrible question of WHY ME?
Reasons for Comparison
Inferiority Complex
Inferiority Complex
It is an overdeveloped sense of being inferior to other people. In extreme cases it can manifest itself in either withdrawn or aggressive social behavior. Many compare themselves with others just because they feel others are more human than themselves. Come to think of it, no human has two heads. Only monsters do. No man can sleep in two rooms at a time, no matter the mansion.
There is no less human, we are all humans.
So friend, never feel inferior to anyone. See what went into your creation and how important you are to God; King David says
Oh yes, you shaped me first inside, then out; you formed me in my mother's womb.
Oh yes, you shaped me first inside, then out; you formed me in my mother's womb.
I thank you, High God—you're breathtaking! Body and soul, I am marvelously made!
I worship in adoration—what a creation! You know me inside and out,
You know every bone in my body;
You know exactly how I was made, bit by bit, how I was sculpted from nothing into something. Psalms 139:13 -15 (TM)
Lack of Defined Purpose for Living
Lack of Defined Purpose for Living
When purpose is undefined abuse is inevitable. This is another reason why many want to be like another person. It is because they lack the purpose for living or have not well defined their very reason for existence. Those who are so engrossed in fulfilling their God-given purpose have no time for comparison.
If you live like a photocopy, who will live your original?
To save yourself from this comparison syndrome, get busy fulfilling your God purpose and you won’t even notice others who are busy living their dreams. Like the saying that the idle mind is the devil workshop, many are busy analyzing others’ wealth that they are not thinking of their own very life. Have a defined goal for living and get busy pursuing it!
Failure to count your blessings
Yeah, if you fail to count your blessings, the devil will give you something else to count. There is the song I always loved to sing in primary school with all the excitement and vigor because I know we only sing the song when we are about to take lunch. The song in Songs Of Praise (SOP) says,
Some have food, but cannot eat,
Some can eat, but have no food,
We have food and we can eat,
Glory be to thee Oh Lord. (And afterwards, we’ll then say Aunty come and eat….lol)
Failure to count your blessings
Yeah, if you fail to count your blessings, the devil will give you something else to count. There is the song I always loved to sing in primary school with all the excitement and vigor because I know we only sing the song when we are about to take lunch. The song in Songs Of Praise (SOP) says,
Some have food, but cannot eat,
Some can eat, but have no food,
We have food and we can eat,
Glory be to thee Oh Lord. (And afterwards, we’ll then say Aunty come and eat….lol)
This is a soothing reminder for me. We still need to appreciate God no matter what we are faced with because it could have been worse.
If you have lost ANYTHING, God is the reason why you’ve not lost EVERYTHING!
That is why blaming God for our present state is the most unwise thing to do. If you think you have no shoes, how about those who don’t have legs?
Wait a minute, if God forsakes you, who will you run to? But thanks be to God that He has promised never to leave us nor forsake us. Everything you are going through are actually fitting to plan and it’s all for your own good. If God never sleeps nor slumber, then He must be busy working things out for my good. Don’t you thing so?
When next you see someone who seems to already have what you desire, rejoice with them and quickly assure yourself that, Mine is on the way.
Wait a minute, if God forsakes you, who will you run to? But thanks be to God that He has promised never to leave us nor forsake us. Everything you are going through are actually fitting to plan and it’s all for your own good. If God never sleeps nor slumber, then He must be busy working things out for my good. Don’t you thing so?
When next you see someone who seems to already have what you desire, rejoice with them and quickly assure yourself that, Mine is on the way.
Count your blessings, name them one by one and it will surprise you what the Lord has done!
Shall we pray
Lord, open our eyes to spot the difference between where are coming from and where we are now and the assurance of where you are taking us to, rather than engage in the folly of comparison with others. Amen
Lord, open our eyes to spot the difference between where are coming from and where we are now and the assurance of where you are taking us to, rather than engage in the folly of comparison with others. Amen
We forget!
Thursday, May 21, 2009
I recently observed a friend taking the marriage vow to live with his wife till death do them part. And as if that was not enough, we all danced to a table where they both signed the dotted line with parents from both families to show the seriousness of their decision and vows.
Although, this was not my first time of observing the scenario but it got me thinking and started meditating or how grave the decision we make when we tie the knots with our soul mate to spend the rest of our lives forever. But I quickly woke up from my “thought- travel” to join in the remaining of the celebration and I really enjoyed myself.
I am presently reading two books by T. D Jakes Life Overflowing and his latest title Before You Do. He was trying to give a fatherly advice in the latter book like He did for His first daughter who was getting married but He also talked on the stunning rate of divorce between Christian marriages and unbelievers which is almost at par.
Trying to marry my earlier experience at my friend’s wedding with this revealing truth in the book, I was face-to-face with the question of: What makes people forget the sacred marriage vow that we make before God and a congregation of witnesses and then still file for divorce? Was it that they became disappointed in their ‘choice’ spouse overtime or that the burning love that made them take their once so-called Angel on dates and sight- seeing has dwindled? The questions kept coming and on and on.
As usual I began consulting with the Word of God to get some clarifications because I believe that the bible is the final authority on all issues of life.
We can stand affliction better than we can prosperity, for in prosperity we forget God. - Dwight L. Moody
I have not really searched for long before He began opening my eyes to fact that what we forget is not just the marriage vows but we forget the key values, confessions, truth and hope in God that has been responsible for taking us to our present position and place in life. God kept emphazing this to His people in all of scriptures to remember the key things that has brought them to where they are. For instance, David recounted where He was bringing Him from ;
He chose David also his servant, and took him from the sheepfolds:
From following the ewes great with young he brought him to feed Jacob his people, and Israel his inheritance.
So he fed them according to the integrity of his heart; and guided them by the skilfulness of his hands.
Psalms 78:70-72(KJV)
David was undoubtedly one of Israel’s greatest king, but God took Him from following sheep to feed God’s people. To me, if we all keep to mind where God is bringing us from, we will never misbehave and see the position and power that God gives us as a privilege and a product of God’s grace.
Men are men; the best sometimes forget. - William Shakespeare
THINGS NOT TO FORGET
I write this title as I reflect on the theme of ‘Thanksgiving’. Can we really thank God enough? The reason why we don’t give thanks is simply because we forget. What do you have that you were not given?
Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.
Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:
Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;
Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies;
Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle’s. Psalm 103:1- 5 (KJV)
1. That He forgave your sins;
We all know the mess we were in before Christ saved us. He did not just save us from our sins but has promised us eternal life. This is one of the things not to forget. Never forget to thank God sincerely for saving you. He saved us while we were yet sinners. He redeemed us from the path of destruction and set our feet on the rock to stand. Never forget!
2. That He healed you;
Many have been through deadly sicknesses and diseases from which God healed them. The same sickness that others died from, is the same you and I have been through and have been delivered by Jehovah Rapha. He didn’t have to heal you, He just did it for His love and for His name sake. What many pay huge amount for, Christ paid it all on the Cross. Never forget that!
3. That He satisfies your mouth;
There were times you wished you had some things cars, apartment, wife, husband, children and other things. But did you notice some of those things no longer form your prayer request list. God has simply satisfied your desires. Yes, but you still have needs? Giving Him thanks for the ones He has done qualifies you to get more. He has indeed been faithful over the years. The list continues…
Only Those who know how to THINK know how to THANK.
Please, take some time out to recount God’s goodness in your life. See the things that you have and not the things you don’t. And you will know that you are indebted to God. Count your blessings name them one by one.
Also, let this heart of thanksgiving help you never to look down on anyone because situation and circumstances change. Remember, there were some you used to look forward to in the past but God has enabled you to go beyond where they have attained. Our heart of thanksgiving to God should help us to humble our self so that God will lift us in due time.
Never forget you are but clay made in the image of God.
10 Commandments of Living in Recession Pt.2
Friday, May 15, 2009
The first 5 Commandments are;
#1 FEAR NOT
#2 BORROW NOT
#3 BE LED BY THE SPIRIT FOR ALL DECISIONS
#4 BE HOPEFUL
#5 BE MORE COMMITTED IN YOUR RELATIONSHIPS
#1 FEAR NOT
#2 BORROW NOT
#3 BE LED BY THE SPIRIT FOR ALL DECISIONS
#4 BE HOPEFUL
#5 BE MORE COMMITTED IN YOUR RELATIONSHIPS
The last 5 Commandments are as follows;
#6 BE A KINGDOM INVESTOR
This simply means promoting the course of God’s kingdom through your giving. It is true that there is recession but that should NOT stop our tithing, for instance. A tithe is ten percent of your income given to God, acknowledging Him as your source. Please note that, in spite of the famine, Elijah told the woman to give him food first before considering her son and even herself. This ordinarily may look mean but that’s the way to keep the flow of blessing. Seek first the kingdom of God. Invest in any course to promote the gospel even at this time and you’ll flourish even in recession. Remember, Christ says we should lay up treasure for ourselves in heaven. It works!
This simply means promoting the course of God’s kingdom through your giving. It is true that there is recession but that should NOT stop our tithing, for instance. A tithe is ten percent of your income given to God, acknowledging Him as your source. Please note that, in spite of the famine, Elijah told the woman to give him food first before considering her son and even herself. This ordinarily may look mean but that’s the way to keep the flow of blessing. Seek first the kingdom of God. Invest in any course to promote the gospel even at this time and you’ll flourish even in recession. Remember, Christ says we should lay up treasure for ourselves in heaven. It works!
God’s commandment is to be obeyed as commanded and not and convenient!
#7 BE CREATIVE
To be creative means to be innovative or to be able to seek ways of solving old problems with new approaches. Crises usually make people more creative. When old ways are still working well, then people may fold their hands, but when they cease to work, then people look for improvement or better ways of meeting their needs. Have you lost your job due to recession? Look within for what you can do for yourself. Most of today’s invention came when people looked within and have a strong desire to solve problems. To me this means there are untapped solutions within us if we can only search with. Try out something new and different from the norm. It’s in you!
Remember, necessity is the mother of invention
To be creative means to be innovative or to be able to seek ways of solving old problems with new approaches. Crises usually make people more creative. When old ways are still working well, then people may fold their hands, but when they cease to work, then people look for improvement or better ways of meeting their needs. Have you lost your job due to recession? Look within for what you can do for yourself. Most of today’s invention came when people looked within and have a strong desire to solve problems. To me this means there are untapped solutions within us if we can only search with. Try out something new and different from the norm. It’s in you!
Remember, necessity is the mother of invention
#8 BE VISIONARY
A vision is having a PICTURE of your FUTURE through the SCRIPTURE. To be visionary means to be able to see yourself from God’s perspective through His word and consciously taking calculative steps towards living in the reality of the future He has for you. He asks Jeremiah when He called him, WHAT DO YOU SEE? God will only bring to pass what we can see. For Abraham, God told him, as far as your eyes can see- this is about vision. But for vision to be meaningful, you must first discover your purpose (your God-given assignment and your very reason for living). Then, catching the glimpse of it in light with the Word of God (that is what is called Vision). You need to see beyond the recession to live above it. What can you see? Don’t be caught suffering from HIV- Having Insufficient Vision.
What You See is What You Get (WYSIWG)
A vision is having a PICTURE of your FUTURE through the SCRIPTURE. To be visionary means to be able to see yourself from God’s perspective through His word and consciously taking calculative steps towards living in the reality of the future He has for you. He asks Jeremiah when He called him, WHAT DO YOU SEE? God will only bring to pass what we can see. For Abraham, God told him, as far as your eyes can see- this is about vision. But for vision to be meaningful, you must first discover your purpose (your God-given assignment and your very reason for living). Then, catching the glimpse of it in light with the Word of God (that is what is called Vision). You need to see beyond the recession to live above it. What can you see? Don’t be caught suffering from HIV- Having Insufficient Vision.
What You See is What You Get (WYSIWG)
#9 BE PRUDENT
It is an obvious fact that above every other thing, one thing to do now is to spend wisely. To be prudent means to have a good sense in dealing with practical matters or to be careful in managing resources so as to provide for the future. This is not best of time to spend on impulse or buy what you want especially at the expense of needs. Needs like food, clothing, shelter and other immediate family needs are to be given full preference above any other thing. But this will also be no excuse not to save. One of my mentors said not matter what you earn save at least 20% of it. It might be hard but it is possible. You can live on the remaining 70% (after 20% savings and 10% tithe). What I do personally is to assume as if my original earning is the 70%.
It is not SAFE not to SAVE!
It is an obvious fact that above every other thing, one thing to do now is to spend wisely. To be prudent means to have a good sense in dealing with practical matters or to be careful in managing resources so as to provide for the future. This is not best of time to spend on impulse or buy what you want especially at the expense of needs. Needs like food, clothing, shelter and other immediate family needs are to be given full preference above any other thing. But this will also be no excuse not to save. One of my mentors said not matter what you earn save at least 20% of it. It might be hard but it is possible. You can live on the remaining 70% (after 20% savings and 10% tithe). What I do personally is to assume as if my original earning is the 70%.
It is not SAFE not to SAVE!
#10 STILL GIVE THANKS
Thanksgiving is not an option for believers, it is a commandment. God word says “Oh, Give Thanks to the Lord for He is good and His mercies endures forever.” Thanksgiving can be pre or post. Pre is giving of thanks before God does what you’ve asked for. This is also called Sacrifice of Praise. It is a sacrifice because it will cost you to give up your concerns to do it. There’s nothing visibly present to show but you still choose to give thanks. It may be easy to give thanks when our promises are delivered (which is the Post). But God wants us to offer the sacrifice of praise with our lips. Always praise Him whether things are working or not.
And we know that all things are FITTING TO PLAN for them that love God and are called according to His purpose. Romans 8: 28(AMP)
Thanksgiving is not an option for believers, it is a commandment. God word says “Oh, Give Thanks to the Lord for He is good and His mercies endures forever.” Thanksgiving can be pre or post. Pre is giving of thanks before God does what you’ve asked for. This is also called Sacrifice of Praise. It is a sacrifice because it will cost you to give up your concerns to do it. There’s nothing visibly present to show but you still choose to give thanks. It may be easy to give thanks when our promises are delivered (which is the Post). But God wants us to offer the sacrifice of praise with our lips. Always praise Him whether things are working or not.
And we know that all things are FITTING TO PLAN for them that love God and are called according to His purpose. Romans 8: 28(AMP)
God is faithful!
When you don’t know what to do!
Sunday, March 22, 2009
After this, the armies of the Moabites, Ammonites, and some of the Meunites declared war on Jehoshaphat. Messengers came and told Jehoshaphat, “A vast army from Edom is marching against you from beyond the Dead Sea. They are already at Hazazon-tamar.” (This was another name for En-gedi.) Jehoshaphat was alarmed by this news and sought the Lord for guidance. He also gave orders that everyone throughout Judah should observe a fast. So people from all the towns of Judah came to Jerusalem to seek the Lord.
“And now see what the armies of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir are doing. You would not let our ancestors invade those nations when Israel left Egypt, so they went around them and did not destroy them. Now see how they reward us! For they have come to throw us out of your land, which you gave us as an inheritance. O our God, won’t you stop them? We are powerless against this mighty army that is about to attack us. We do not know what to do, but we are looking to you for help.”
2 Chronicles 20:1-4, 10-12 (NLT)
“And now see what the armies of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir are doing. You would not let our ancestors invade those nations when Israel left Egypt, so they went around them and did not destroy them. Now see how they reward us! For they have come to throw us out of your land, which you gave us as an inheritance. O our God, won’t you stop them? We are powerless against this mighty army that is about to attack us. We do not know what to do, but we are looking to you for help.”
2 Chronicles 20:1-4, 10-12 (NLT)
I am very convinced that many people in the world today are in a state where they just don’t know what to do again. After losing millions of dollars to the stock market as well as the dwindling oil prices and billionaires have opted for the suicide option. Many low-income earners whose only hope is their means of livelihood, which is, their job have lost it and have become entirely dependent on the aid given by the government which is nothing but adequate if it comes at all.
You have tried every means possible- friends, relations, contacts, connections to help you pay certain bills, surety you for some facility, give you some little cushion till you find something tangible doing and on and on but it seems as if the more you try the farther the help and opportunities are.
I have got some good news from the Lord for you that THERE IS STILL AWAY OUT!
I have got some good news from the Lord for you that THERE IS STILL AWAY OUT!
Please note: I am not a motivational speaker or some public speaker seeking to cajole you or to stir you up for nothing. I speak only what He inspires me to say without exaggeration. I believe strongly that God has an answer to every life’s challenge and He is not an irresponsible father who will watch His children suffer without meeting their needs. Or what do you think?
The scripture above tells the story of a similar condition to what the world is facing at the moment. Three great nations, densely populated and with highly sophisticated army came to war with tiny Judah! It was obvious that these nations had all it takes to wipe out Judah. But could you believe that God still fathomed a way out to help Judah to overcome this battle? That’s why I am very convinced that “no matter the matter” that you are faced with, there is always a way out! Your own armies may be JOBLESSNESS, RELATIONSHIP PROBLEMS AND POVERTY and like Jehoshaphat, you don’t seem to know what to do and you are almost throwing in the towel. Here is what to do when you don’t know what to do! They are things that look too simple to be true but you know the foolishness of God is wiser than the wisest of men’s idea.
What to do:
Encourage yourself
Does that shock you? Well, it is the first thing you need to do to be free from those hydra-headed circumstances steering at you in the face. Most people continue to be depressed just because they are looking for others to pity them or say some sweet words and if they don’t get it, they carry long faces or break down in tears.
The scripture above tells the story of a similar condition to what the world is facing at the moment. Three great nations, densely populated and with highly sophisticated army came to war with tiny Judah! It was obvious that these nations had all it takes to wipe out Judah. But could you believe that God still fathomed a way out to help Judah to overcome this battle? That’s why I am very convinced that “no matter the matter” that you are faced with, there is always a way out! Your own armies may be JOBLESSNESS, RELATIONSHIP PROBLEMS AND POVERTY and like Jehoshaphat, you don’t seem to know what to do and you are almost throwing in the towel. Here is what to do when you don’t know what to do! They are things that look too simple to be true but you know the foolishness of God is wiser than the wisest of men’s idea.
What to do:
Encourage yourself
Does that shock you? Well, it is the first thing you need to do to be free from those hydra-headed circumstances steering at you in the face. Most people continue to be depressed just because they are looking for others to pity them or say some sweet words and if they don’t get it, they carry long faces or break down in tears.
Carrying a LONG face will only make your journey LONG- David Oyedepo
David’s wives, children and all he had laboured for many years to amass was stolen in one day. Being the leader of the people, they were looking up to him to do something and they even wanted to stolen him. Could you believe that! They were even considering that he also lost great possession. But even in that deplorable state, David encouraged himself in the Lord! 1Sanmuel 30: 6
David’s wives, children and all he had laboured for many years to amass was stolen in one day. Being the leader of the people, they were looking up to him to do something and they even wanted to stolen him. Could you believe that! They were even considering that he also lost great possession. But even in that deplorable state, David encouraged himself in the Lord! 1Sanmuel 30: 6
The more SORRY you get, the more SORROWFUL you will become
Those who wait for others’ PITY end up in the PIT
Those who wait for others’ PITY end up in the PIT
Don’t allow people to say sorry to you. Encourage yourself in the Lord. Remind yourself of God’s goodness to you in time past. Has God ever seen you through any difficult situation before. Yes, say to yourself, He will yet deliver me from this situation because He doesn’t change.
Depend totally on God for help
Anytime we consider other alternatives apart from God, God backs off. He doesn’t like to share His glory with others. God takes pride in doing it all by himself because He is the All-Powerful God. Depending totally on God is to vow not to go to other gods for help. God can help you all by Himself. Don’t try to help God.
Anytime we consider other alternatives apart from God, God backs off. He doesn’t like to share His glory with others. God takes pride in doing it all by himself because He is the All-Powerful God. Depending totally on God is to vow not to go to other gods for help. God can help you all by Himself. Don’t try to help God.
Heaven help those who help themselves is not in the bible!
Esther said “If I perish, I perish”- she did not perish. The three Hebrew boys said, “ Whether God delivers us or not we will not bow to any idol” God delivered them. What situation makes you deny God or turn back? God is not slow. God is never late. He’s just waiting for the time when you will totally handover to him before he takes over the battle of your life.
When JEHOVAH takes OVER, then the battle is OVER!
Praise, Praise, Praise
Until you totally depend on Him like we said, you may not likely be able to praise God in the midst of your situation.
When we pray, God sends angels, When we praise God comes himself.
The bible says He inhabits the praises of His people. He told Jehoshaphat to appoint singers to go in front of them to battle. That sounds ridiculous! Sending singers to come face to face with dangerous, chariots, arrows and spears. But that was it, when they began to sing and praise, God made the enemies to help destroy themselves till none was left..No wonder the bible says He does fearful things in praise. Praising God when things are not working is the highest form of praise- it is a sacrifice of praise. Let nothing tamper with your joy.... He will see you through this times. He is the God of the mountain and the valley, God of the good times and the bad, turning negative situations around.
Until you totally depend on Him like we said, you may not likely be able to praise God in the midst of your situation.
When we pray, God sends angels, When we praise God comes himself.
The bible says He inhabits the praises of His people. He told Jehoshaphat to appoint singers to go in front of them to battle. That sounds ridiculous! Sending singers to come face to face with dangerous, chariots, arrows and spears. But that was it, when they began to sing and praise, God made the enemies to help destroy themselves till none was left..No wonder the bible says He does fearful things in praise. Praising God when things are not working is the highest form of praise- it is a sacrifice of praise. Let nothing tamper with your joy.... He will see you through this times. He is the God of the mountain and the valley, God of the good times and the bad, turning negative situations around.
It does work, it is working for me and it will work for you!
You are blessed!
Downtime?!
Friday, February 13, 2009
When men are cast down, then thou shalt say, There is lifting up; and he shall save the humble person.
Job 22: 29 (KJV)
It is a known fact that everything that works (man or machine) should have a time to recuperate or regain used up strength. Some banks go temporarily out of service due to system down time or for them to simply tell their customers that the system is down. For some of the internet service providers (ISP) or telecoms service providers, they simply say “no service" or "no network”.
Similarly, as humans, there are times when you know you’re not ill due to sickness but at the same time you know you’re not just well. You know something is not right about you…you simply feel down. For some, they don’t feel like rising up from the bed, for others, they prefer to be left alone. These experiences could be said to be periods of downtime.
Wikipedia defines downtime as periods when a system is unavailable. Downtime or outage duration refers to a period of time that a system fails to provide or perform its primary function.
If machines that are lifeless equipments could experience downtime and just stop working in order to rest and start working again. We may not be totally exempted from downtimes but we can live above it.
However, God has made certain provisions in His word to help get through those periods of downtime in our lives. Some of the things that help us get through these times and make us get back on track is what I intend to share with you.
It is Normal
It is good for you to know that when you continually stress yourself or go through a series of emotional torture overtime, you are most likely to breakdown in tears or inaction. But note that it is not where God intends you to remain. The above scripture says “when men are cast down” which means it is a matter of time- ‘when’ not ’if’. It is however not an excuse for you to be down at every instance, many have learnt to live above it- you too can.
Watch Your Mouth
What you say when you’re going through your downtime matters. Many have spoken themselves into the grave. Telling everyone you’re going through hell or that you can’t get out of this mess… you know those stuffs you say when you are down. It will not help you. Please speak POSITIVE words always. When David lost everything in 1Samuel 30, the bible says he encouraged himself in the Lord. Nobody will encourage you for you! Encourage yourself.
The same scripture above says ” I will say there is lifting up” I will say there is breakthrough, there’s favor, there’s advancement… Go ahead and say what you want because what you SAY is what you SEE.
Give a sacrifice of Praise
Hebrews 13: 15 (KJV) says ”By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name”
A sacrifice is something that is not convenient to do. This simply means we should use our lips to give praise to His name even when we seem down. Really, there may not be any reason to give Him thanks at that moment but it says you should sacrifice… what a mystery. The best time to give thanks is when things are not really going the way you want it. Praise calls for God’s presence and when God comes, all fears disappear. Give Him praise today. I’ve done mine this morning and I’ll still do it again and again…It works.
Restart
Technical persons have recommended that at times when system goes through downtime or malfunctions, simply restarting it can make it start working properly again. I have personally seen this happen several times. What you need during a downtime after doing the above might just be to revisit the issue or take the pains to start all over again. Don’t always forget to push the Restart button.
Rejoice
The initial intention of the devil is to get at your joy, to make you depressed and make you say negative things and blame God. God is not the one behind your downtime. Job’s wife told him to curse God and die, but Job never yielded, the end was that God gave him double of everything he had before except the wife and number of children. Don’t let the devil get at your joy. Rejoice always, again I say rejoice.
IF GOD HAS BROUGHT YOU TO IT, HE CAN TAKE YOU TRHOUGH IT.
I LOVE YOU!
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